This year, on March 3, the Lantern Festival happens to coincide with a “total lunar eclipse.” Taiwanese folklore expert Ko Po-cheng reminds that, in traditional beliefs, a total lunar eclipse represents the blindness of the sun and moon and an imbalance of yin and yang. Pregnant women or infants should not stay outdoors late into the night. In addition, he suggests visiting temples related to “Linshui Madam” to pray for blessings.
On the evening of March 3, 2026, during the Lantern Festival, the moon will rise at around 5:50 PM, and all regions will be able to observe the lunar eclipse as it begins with “moonrise with eclipse.” The most spectacular phase will be the total lunar eclipse from 7:04 PM to 8:03 PM. Tsai Yu-ming, director of the Taipei Astronomical Weather Station, points out that the moon will be in the eastern sky during the eclipse, and suggests that the public choose a location with a clear view of the eastern horizon without obstructions for the best viewing experience.
Folklore expert Ko Po-cheng posted on Facebook, saying that a total lunar eclipse is traditionally called a “blood moon.” It coincides with the Lantern Festival this year, and the next overlap won’t occur until 2072, while the last one was in 2007. There are only three such astronomical coincidences in the 21st century.
Ko Po-cheng mentioned that, in ancient times, the blood moon was often associated with the idea of blind sun and moon and an imbalance of yin and yang. Daoism emphasizes the balance between yin and yang, and either excess or deficiency is deemed inauspicious. Even though modern people understand that a blood moon is an astronomical phenomenon, he still recommends that “pregnant women and infants” do not stay outdoors until midnight. Even if participating in Lantern Festival activities, they should not go home too late.
The Lantern Festival is not only the holy birthday of the Heavenly Official Emperor, but also the birthday of Linshui Madam Chen Jinggu, who is the guardian deity of women and children. She blesses pregnant women with safe deliveries and protects children’s health and safety. She is known as the “land guardian deity,” on par with “Mazu, goddess of the sea.” Ko Po-cheng noted that, given the special circumstances of this year’s Lantern Festival, it is recommended that families with pregnant women or infants visit relevant temples to pray for blessings and peace.
Folklore expert Ko Po-cheng posted on Facebook, saying that a total lunar eclipse is traditionally called a “blood moon.” It coincides with the Lantern Festival this year, and the next overlap won’t occur until 2072, while the last one was in 2007. There are only three such astronomical coincidences in the 21st century.
Ko Po-cheng mentioned that, in ancient times, the blood moon was often associated with the idea of blind sun and moon and an imbalance of yin and yang. Daoism emphasizes the balance between yin and yang, and either excess or deficiency is deemed inauspicious. Even though modern people understand that a blood moon is an astronomical phenomenon, he still recommends that “pregnant women and infants” do not stay outdoors until midnight. Even if participating in Lantern Festival activities, they should not go home too late.
The Lantern Festival is not only the holy birthday of the Heavenly Official Emperor, but also the birthday of Linshui Madam Chen Jinggu, who is the guardian deity of women and children. She blesses pregnant women with safe deliveries and protects children’s health and safety. She is known as the “land guardian deity,” on par with “Mazu, goddess of the sea.” Ko Po-cheng noted that, given the special circumstances of this year’s Lantern Festival, it is recommended that families with pregnant women or infants visit relevant temples to pray for blessings and peace.